Man found competent for trial in infant torture case

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TAYLOR — A 26-year-old would-be paramedic will stand trial and could face life in prison if found guilty of torturing his six-month-old son.

Nicholas Alan Spirdione was declared competent Monday to stand trial, understand the charges against him and participate in his own defense by 23rd District Court Judge Geno Salomone. Spirdione remained in custody on $1.5 million cash bond.

Spirdione had been charged shortly after police responded on April 23 to a call from the 6600 block of Pine Street. Responding officers were told that the child’s mother — Spirdione’s girlfriend — had left the room briefly and returned to find the baby had been injured and struggled to breathe.

The child was treated at Detroit Children’s Hospital and remained in critical condition for weeks, but responded positively to treatment and was stabilized.

Spirdione was charged with three felony counts — torture and two counts of first-degree child abuse — and faces life in prison if convicted. Spirdione was also charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm.

A preliminary examination of the evidence against him is scheduled for Aug. 18.